The show began with imagery and sounds which led the audience into believing they were in a department store elevator. Each elevator level would then stop and lead into one of the 7 collections/store levels. The Pet Shop Boys song, Shopping, provided the ideal tune for the models to strut on to stage with.

The models provided great choreography moves and plenty of eye-candy, along with a diverse collection of clothes. A great show performance!

For more information visit- http://www.clothesshowlive.com/the-show

Nice use of typography to mimic the shape of a xmas decoration.  Love the warm and glamorous colour palette in this window and the over sized decorations.

Great referencing to the animal kingdom which follows the recent trend of using animal shapes within knitwear designs and t-shirt graphics. The animal masks, fur cones, scarves and bare twigs represent Autumn perfectly!

Zara had focused on stars as shapes to use. The black dresses along with the gold & silver typography echoed style and sophistication.

Next weekend I’m going to the Clothes Show at the NEC so I’ll be on the lookout for the catwalk scenery and graphics … Any excuse to go shopping!

Global fashion brand Benetton has a track record of provocative publicity campaigns featuring striking images unrelated to its products. Remember the shot of the unwashed newborn baby still attached to its umbilical cord that features in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most controversial ad campaign of all time?

Well, it appears Benetton has lost none of its appetite for edginess. Its new campaign features images of world leaders engaged in forging closer diplomatic relationships – such as this (above) of President Obama snogging with Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez.

The series of images is available here and it’s all part of Benetton’s Unhate campaign.

Is it possible to be edgy – perhaps even offensive in some eyes – while protecting your brand? Is this a cynical ploy for profile from a brand that’s out of fashion?

*This is the title of an album track from REM’s 1989 release Green. My favourite REM song but not well known enough for me to use it as a headline without this explanation. That is all.

Just found these terrific fashion posters to share with you all… Love the sixties vibe which is echoed through the colour palette and use of basic geometric shapes to form such strong compositions…Nice!

See the full set at designworklife.com

As the latest member to join the Linney Group, I wanted to share with you all a few of my favourite designers who each inspired me greatly when creating my portfolio at college.

Firstly there is the work by Handiedan, a female Amsterdam based artist, who plays strongly on the vintage “pin up girl” theme to create experimental and slightly raunchy illustrations. I particularly admire the more subtle detailing to her work such as the ink-line tattoos, sepia tones and use of icons such as playing cards. Her use of collage creates an unpredictable approach to replicating the female form, often leaving her figures unidentified to all who see.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/handiedan

Next there are the influential fashion illustrations by David Downton, whom in my opinion remains unbeatable by any other fashion illustrator. His work has included collaborations alongside names such as Vogue, Chanel, Harrods, Topshop & M&S. Downton’s understanding of the female figure is interpreted using minimal brush strokes, yet strong enough to reflect a real passion and energy. Simply stunning work.

http://www.daviddownton.com/fashion.html

Lastly, and perhaps my most favourite of all, is the work of Sophie Toulouse. Her illustrations play strongly with positive and negative space, helping to emphasise the beauty of the female form without over-complicating her compositions. I particularly like how looser line work is also brought into the composition to add a more raw and spontaneous feel to the illustrations.

http://www.debutart.com/illustration/sophie-toulouse?page=0#/illustration

Overall, I think it would be fair to say that my favourite styles include, fashion, collage,the female form, mark making & stitch!

Last of all, thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome during my first few weeks at Linney Design.

Emma.

Last month myself, Michael and Iain travelled across to Vancouver to attend a conference called Siggraph (short for Special Interest Group on GRAPHics and Interactive Techniques).  This is an annual conference on computer graphics.

The first Siggraph conference was in 1974 and is attended by thousands of computer professionals each year. Below are links to a few of the highlights we found…

Amazing interactive Mercedes website…

Homemade 3D Printer… We now own one of these, located in the multimedia area of design if you’d like a look!

3D Scanning iPhone app…

3d Tree Creation Software…

Clothes Designer…

ZBrush sculpting software…

Realflow, fluid simulations…

360 Camera…

Mirror to monitor vital signs, without any contact…

Moving Picture Company, inspirational special effects…

Intel and Adidas have unveiled an interactive shopping wall that allows shoppers to spin and zoom 3-D shoes. Click through the link to check out the video.

New England home shirt designed by Peter Saville. It’s certainly minimal, the multicoloured crosses being “evocative of the basting stitches synonymous with bespoke tailoring” according to Saville. Either that or it makes you look like you have interesting dandruff… Thoughts anyone?